Director, Public Health Programs

About the role:

The Director, Public Health Programs provides leadership and oversight of a portfolio of commissioned programs that are critical to the delivery of statewide health protection activities. With accountability for key programs including immunisation, public health laboratories, and sexual and reproductive health programs, the role ensures services are effectively designed, implemented and monitored to meet public health goals, comply with legislative and policy requirements, and respond to emerging health risks.

Operating within a complex and dynamic environment, the role is responsible for managing strategic partnerships with funded agencies and system partners, ensuring accountability for performance, quality and impact. It also contributes to broader system planning, investment decisions and public health strategy development ensuring programs are responsive, evidence-based and deliver a cohesive and effective statewide response to public health challenges.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, management, and oversight of branch units and teams, with a focus on capability development, sustainable operating models, and high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to shaping the organisation's strategic vision as a member of the executive and take full responsibility for developing the strategic direction for the area of responsibility, integrating a range of activities, programs and functions to support organisational goals and priorities.
• Provide strategic, evidence-based advice and act as an authoritative source of critical advice to the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Secretary, Secretary, Minister and other senior stakeholders, to further develop and implement the department's objectives on public health protection programs, funded service models, system performance, and emerging public health risks.
• Provide oversight of complex screening programs, including cervical, bowel, breast, lung, and newborn bloodspot screening, ensuring evidence-informed program design, robust commissioning arrangements, and delivery of equitable and high-quality outcomes.
• Lead statewide strategy, governance, and performance monitoring of public health prevention and screening programs, ensuring alignment with the Victorian Cancer Plan, Cancer Screening Framework, and other key early detection and prevention policy instruments.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualfications

• A tertiary qualification is highly desirable and a post tertiary qualification in a relevant field (health, public health, business management or public administration or a related discipline) would be advantageous.

Specialist Expertise

• Senior experience in public health at state or national level is desired.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to partner with public health medicine professionals and technical experts to develop trusted and timely advice within a public sector context.
• Knowledge and understanding of current key public health issues, public health response, delivery and management of public health programs.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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